Real Estate: How does he balance life as a dad, police officer and real estate agent?

It’s certainly not uncommon for a real estate agent to also have another full-time career, but few have followed the same path as Corcoran’s Ryan Springer.

A Southold Town police officer for the past 19 years, Mr. Springer began selling real estate nearly a decade ago. He hopes to pursue his second career full-time after he retires from law enforcement.

A Southold native who lives in Mattituck, Mr. Springer was encouraged to get into real estate by his stepfather, who also works as a real estate agent. It’s a job he says he finds both challenging and enjoyable.

“Almost every deal is different,” he said. “You never know how things will pan out and it’s always a challenge, but that’s also what keeps things interesting.”

We spoke with Mr. Springer recently about his experience in the real estate business and life on the North Fork.

Q: Tell us about the first house you ever sold?

A: It was a nice ranch-style home in Southold. The interesting thing was that I had to put the whole deal together while on vacation in Greece. It was tricky due to the time change. For whatever reason, it seems any time I go on vacation I sell a house. I think I have to travel more often.

Q: Is there one universal piece of advice you give every client?

A: One piece of advice I try to give all the clients is to try hard not to get emotionally attached to a property and don’t take things personally.

Q: What’s your favorite scenic spot on the North Fork?

A: That would have to be Narrow River Road in Orient. It’s a best-kept secret spot for paddle boarding. My favorite thing to do on the North Fork is fishing and boating with my two young boys.

Q: What’s your go-to funny real estate story?

A: The time I had to bring my youngest son to a final walkthrough of a home we were closing on the next day. At the time my son was 2 years old and I had to carry him because he wasn’t feeling well. We walked in the house with my buyer and the other agent. As soon as we entered the house my son threw up all over me and the floor. Luckily the other agent was a friend and took care of things while my son and I made a speedy exit.

Q: Tell us something about yourself that most people wouldn’t know.

A: I ran two marathons last year: one in Miami and the New York City marathon, in which I raised $3,500 for Peconic Bay Medical Center.

Q: If you could work in real estate in any other place, where would that be?

A: I would probably pick Miami. You can’t beat the weather and there are some amazing properties and lots of interesting international buyers.

Q: What piece of advice do you give other realtors?

A: Speak honestly with your clients because they trust you more than you think. If you think the house won’t work for them, you are probably right. On the flip side, if you have a seller, don’t just take the listing at the price they think is best if you know it’s too high. You aren’t doing anyone justice.

Photo Caption: Ryan Springer in front of one of his listings. (Credit: Katharine Schroeder)